ArticlesCorruption in Public Service Under the Spotlight

No legislative amendments to ensure that civil servants found guilty of any corruption and/or fraud will have all their benefits forfeited to the state are on the cards at this stage.

The deputy president, David Mabuza, revealed this during responses to questions in parliament.

Replying to a question from Ahmed Shaik Emam of the National Freedom Party on vetting public representatives and the executive to ensure that they possess the highest level of integrity and morality in governance, the deputy president referred to mechanisms being introduced to deal with civil servants doing business with the state.

“However, as part of dealing with corruption in the public service, Government is introducing mechanisms through the Public Administration Management Act (PAMA), 2014, to ensure that employees who continue doing business with any Organ of the State are subjected to internal disciplinary action and criminal prosecution where applicable.”

Section 30 of the Public Service Act prohibits civil servants from earning additional income without permission.

According to the deputy president, if the “public service employee contravenes this section of the Act, the Act provides that such remuneration earned must be paid into the National Revenue Fund”.

He added that disciplinary action will be taken against civil servants who earn extra money without permission.

The deputy president also pointed out that asset forfeiture structures within the National Prosecuting Authority can step in when civil servants receive funds through illicit means.

The deputy president informed members that the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit will come into force from 1 April 2019.

It will draw up Norms and Standards on Integrity, Ethics, Code of Conduct and Discipline.